Podcast appearances and mentions of Queen Esther

Defining moments reveal our true character and values. Pastor John Munro explores Queen Esther's extraordinary courage when faced with a life-or-death decision. Learn how this young woman moved from reluctance to resolve and discover powerful spiritual principles for facing your own most pivotal decisions.

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2025 quarter 2, lesson 11 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Allusions, Images, Symbols: How to Study Bible Prophecy”. and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “Ruth and Esther” Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God. Reading: Ruth 1:1-5 | Ruth 2:5-20 | Job 1:6-11 | Matt. 4:8, 9 | Esther 3:1-14 | Rev. 12:14-17. Memory Text: "So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther stand­ing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter" (Esther 5:2, NKJV). (June 7 - June 13) Sunday (Jill Morikone) - “Famine in “The House of Bread””Monday (John Dinzey ) - “Ruth and Boaz” Tuesday (Daniel Perrin) - “Boaz as Redeemer”Wednesday (James Rafferty) - “Haman and Satan”Thursday (Risë Rafferty) - “For Such a Time as This” Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/ Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

Ep. 684: Cranford | Chapter 6 Book talk begins at 15:15 Oh, you're not ready for this one. This week, Miss Matty lets us in on a long-held family secret—and you know when the ladies of Cranford whisper, it's worth leaning in. --------------------------------------------------------------- 00:00 Episode start 01:45 Plum Deluxe Also, MAY RAFFLE - Sir Walter Scott Cross stitch from Rebecca S (Of Book it with Becca, who wrote the wonderful post: 03:30 Parkrose Permaculture video on Then I found that I'd watched several of her videos on the subject of Individualism: Rugged Individualism (and another video on the book 8:20 (I love this guy's VERY DIY attitude) and and 12:00 Barbara Edelman show - BEE EPISODE 15:15 Read all the letters and ended with “poor Peter” which will be where we begin today 15:30 Reminder From Ch 5: Bonus Bernardus non video omnia* The Blessed Bernard does not see everything - maybe said by St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)— This quote is often attributed (possibly apocryphally) to Peter Abelard, the 12th-century theologian, as a gentle jab at St. Bernard of Clairvaux, with whom he clashed theologically. Meaning: Even the wisest man (here, Blessed Bernard) can be wrong sometimes. 16:00 Hoaxing - slang when it first came in to use 1796 but by 1820 it was common use. So by 1840-50 it was no longer improper to use. 16:44 St James's Chronicle - 18:00 Rhododendron - in late 1840s and in to the 1850s, Botanist Sir Joseph Hooker bro und exotic species back from the Himalayas which was VERY exciting and the reason that the Rhododendron Dell was put in at Kew Gardens… IS IT STILL THERE? heather@craftlit.com or 1-206-350-1642, or 20:10 Queen Esther and King Ahasuerus - LOOK! ⬆️ It's a Whole Megillah!

What if the origins of pageantry weren't about crowns, sashes, or stage walks—but about obedience, courage, and calling? In this powerful episode, Coach Megan uncovers the biblical roots of pageants through the story of Queen Esther, tracing how beauty, faith, and boldness saved a nation. You'll discover how Esther's journey from orphan to queen mirrors the modern-day pageant woman's battle with identity, anxiety, and self-doubt—and how your God-given gifts aren't random, they're assignments. This isn't just a history lesson. It's a wake-up call to stop procrastinating, start preparing, and show up for the calling God has placed on your life. Whether you're a pageant newbie or a seasoned competitor, this episode will rock your perspective and reframe why you're really in this arena. ✝️ Learn how to walk boldly in your calling, even when the stakes are high.

A Texas native, Jessica has been singing professionally for over 10 years. Since the age of 3, Jessica has loved to tell stories through acting and singing. She began on the church stage, where she sang worship music and contemporary christian music. As she grew up, she began her professional career at 17 as a performer at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Jessica became very comfortable with performing live in various venues, singing a large variety of genres such as Pop, Country, Motown, Spanish, 50's pop, Broadway show tunes, and even Rock, from more intimate stages to amphitheaters (3,000+ capacity), Jessica is no stranger to working a crowd. As more opportunities became available, she then made a turn from review shows to professional Musical Theatre at Sight and Sound Theatres. It was during this time in her career that Jessica fell in love with acting and the art of story telling. Within 3 years In her career at Sight and Sound, she made her way to the role of a lifetime "Queen Esther". She not only was able to minister to over 4,000 people daily, but the international live stream event reached to over 160 countries. "Queen Esther" went on to reach number 10 on the Top 100 Billboard Charts list in 2020 and later received a Dove nomination for "Inspirational film" in the year of 2021. After this role, Jessica went on to portray the role of Bathsheba in the Sight and Sound show "David" which received a Dove nomination for "Inspirational album" in 2022. This only solidified her passion for music and film. In 2024 Jessica made the move back to her roots in San Antonio, Texas. Since returning to Texas Jessica has begun pursuing her song writing and film career, while also leading worship in both English and Spanish throughout various local churches in the area. Jessica has begun an impressive debut into her solo music career. Her first song "At Your Feet" made a debut in the short film "The Anointing". She then went on to write a country/worship song; "Everlasting" for a documentary On Herman Mendoza's life, which premiered in New York. More than anything her passion is to encourage others through her many talents and to be a Light to everyone she encounters.- IMDb Mini Biography By: Jessica Maldonado

In one bold move, Queen Esther turns the tables, exposes evil, and saves her people. What seemed like a checkmate for the enemy becomes a divine victory for God's people. This week, we dive into Esther Chapter 7 in our study entitled “The Queen's Gambit: Checkmate” and discover how God works behind the scenes and how wisdom, timing, and courage can change everything. God always has the final move. Checkmate! Watch this message on the Authentic Life Fellowship Facebook or YouTube channel. If you "like" our page, you will receive a notification when we go live each Sunday at 9 and 10 a.m. CDT.   Pastor Jimmy's teaching notes are available upon request. Please email him at authenticlifefellowship@gmail.com.

They appear in lace and corsets, drifting from the fog… but why do so many ghosts wear Victorian mourning clothes?Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version of #WeirdDarkness: https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateIN THIS EPISODE: Victorian-era ghosts… they seem to haunt not only our imaginations, but also our Halloween wardrobes. Why were people in the mid-to-late 1800s so obsessed with the supernatural? And why are we so fascinated by Victorian ghost stories still today? (What's The Deal With Victorian Ghosts?) *** The story of Queen Esther is chilling – full of an Iroquois warrior woman's quest for vengeance, brutal warfare, haunting legends, ghostly wails, and a curse that many believe still has power even today. (The Curse of Queen Esther) *** No one can remember exactly when the ghost story began, but records show it dates back to at least 1926. The tale centers around the Administration Offices of Rockford School District 205 on South Madison Street, formerly Rockford High School. Built in 1885, the school gained a spooky reputation due to eerie events reported in its underground tunnels. After a tragic accident in the school's swimming pool claimed the life of a student named Gosta Anderson, strange sightings and sounds fueled the legend of his restless spirit, haunting the very site where he died. (Gosta's Ghost) *** Plumas County, California, holds a chilling mystery that dates back to 1978. On a winter night with a half-moon, five friends left a basketball game at California State University, Chico, and drove away, never to be seen again. Their car was found abandoned on a remote mountain road, leading to a series of eerie discoveries, unanswered questions, and clues that still baffle investigators today. (The 5 Boys Who Never Came Back)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00.00.000 = Disclaimer, and short story “Lost Hearts” by M.R. James00:24:47.662 = Show Open (Coming Up In This Episode)00:27:30.530 = What's The Deal With Victorian Ghosts?00:37:29.237 = The Curse of Queen Esther00:47:34.032 = The Five Boys Who Never Came Back01:08:28.167 = Gosta's Ghost01:15:12.327 = Show Close, Verse, and Final ThoughtSOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE…Free Audiobook: “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, narrated by Darren Marlar: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/AChristmasCarolNarration: “The Signalman” by Charles Dickens, narrated by Darren Marlar: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/TheSignalman“What's The Deal With Victorian Ghosts?” source = Dan Nosowitz at Atlas Obscura: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p94894t“Lost Hearts” by M.R. James (public domain)“The Curse of Queen Esther” source = Creative History Stories: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/3bn9kwe8“Gosta's Ghost” written by Kathi Kresol for Haunted Rockford: https://www.hauntedrockford.com/gostas-ghost/“The 5 Boys Who Never Came Back” written by Cynthia Gorney in 1978 for the Washington Post:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p8hkyef=====(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: May 17, 2024EPISODE PAGE at WeirdDarkness.com (includes list of sources): https://weirddarkness.com/VictorianGhosts

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A mysterious book that uncovers heartache and danger in Susa’s ancient kitchens. Along the journey, we meet Queen Esther’s treasured friend. The story is fiction—but sheds light on the life of the biblical Esther. Get to know Esther better this week on The Land and the Book. We'll also update you on all the big news stories from the Middle East—and take our time answering your intriguing Bible questions. All…on The Land and the Book.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/landandthebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever faced a moment where you had to take a leap of faith, not knowing how things would turn out? Esther 5 is a powerful reminder that God goes before us when we step out in obedience! This Sunday, we explore how Queen Esther approached the king with wisdom, courage, and trust in God's perfect timing. Her story reminds us that faith isn't about recklessness—it's about trusting God even when we can't see the outcome. Watch this message on the Authentic Life Fellowship Facebook or YouTube channel. If you "like" our page, you will receive a notification when we go live each Sunday at 9 and 10 a.m. CDT.   Pastor Jimmy's teaching notes are available upon request. Please email him at authenticlifefellowship@gmail.com.

On this second occasion, while they were drinking wine, the king again said to Esther, “Tell me what you want, Queen Esther. What is your request? I will give it to you, even if it is half the kingdom!” Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor with the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my request, I ask that my life and the lives of my people will be spared.  For my people and I have been sold to those who would kill, slaughter, and annihilate us. If we had merely been sold as slaves, I could remain quiet, for that would be too trivial a matter to warrant disturbing the king.” – Esther 7:2-4Esther holds an interesting place in the Old Testament. It's a post-exilic narrative similar to Ezra and Nehemiah, but rather than focusing on the Jewish community returning to Jerusalem, it tells the story of some of the Jewish remnant in Susa – people who for one reason or another chose not to return to Jerusalem. In many ways, Esther reads like a thriller. There's a nefarious plot, divine providence, and bold actions culminating in a decisive moment for Esther herself and the Jewish people. But, at its heart, Esther is a very relatable story. There are no demonstrative miracles, just people making the choice to stand up for a cause important to them and the God who is ever-present, even if not specifically named. To help us navigate the book of Esther is Dr. Iain Duguid, Professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary and author of a commentary on Esther. Doable Discipleship is a Saddleback Church podcast produced and hosted by Jason Wieland. It premiered in 2017 and now offers more than 400 episodes. Episodes release every Tuesday on your favorite podcast app and on the Saddleback Church YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/saddleback).Resources Related to This Episode:https://www.amazon.com/Esther-Ruth-Reformed-Expository-Commentary/dp/0875527833Subscribe to the Doable Discipleship podcast at Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doable-discipleship/id1240966935) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/1Zc9nuwQZOLadbFCZCmZ1V)Related Doable Discipleship Episodes: Navigating the Bible: Nehemiah - https://youtu.be/Gok4WDgwn5INavigating the Bible: Ezra - https://youtu.be/aBC0nEjYeyoNavigating the Bible: 2 Chronicles - https://youtu.be/OG3rHTgMgEINavigating the Bible: 1 Chronicles - https://youtu.be/lQ_Qc4zbfgANavigating the Bible: 2 Kings - https://youtu.be/04q9gDhBKTkNavigating the Bible: 1 Kings - https://youtu.be/aS-KoeQXl2kNavigating the Bible: 2 Samuel - https://youtu.be/ZbpafGgOW7cNavigating the Bible: 1 Samuel - https://youtu.be/lY8wPElSFMYNavigating the Bible: Rute - https://youtu.be/YaH-t-ZzTaMNavigating the Bible: Judges - https://youtu.be/qNGcOf2o0NUNavigating the Bible: Joshua - https://youtu.be/hF28aThBtFsNavigating the Bible: Deuteronomy - https://youtu.be/HzmNgPOM4zUNavigating the Bible: Numbers - https://youtu.be/H1HO6V9HDxsNavigating the Bible: Leviticus - https://youtu.be/08RhDCXYex4Navigating the Bible: Exodus - https://youtu.be/NB9UTpS1F3MNavigating the Bible: Genesis - https://youtu.be/ddhjMfOoasAInspiring Dreams by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoonMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Through the "Dog Food Incident," I learned that helping my dad around the house was a privilege. At the last extended time, I was able to observe my day, after I had moved from home, I was able to remind him that he was my hero and that I was privileged to be his son. That last salute to my dad had unforeseen eternal results. Thank You, Jesus!The book of Esther teaches us not to take for granted what God has called us to do, and in no way is it less than a privilege to be in the king's presence"Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, 16 "Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens also will fast in the same way. And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish." Esther 4:15-16"Now it came about on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace in front of the king's rooms, and the king was sitting on his royal throne in the throne room, opposite the entrance to the palace. 2 And it happened when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king extended to Esther the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther came near and touched the top of the scepter. 3 Then the king said to her, "What is troubling you, Queen Esther? And what is your request? Even to half of the kingdom it will be given to you." Esther 5:1-3Devotional MeditationPsalm 84:10"For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand outside. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God, Than dwell in the tents of wickedness. 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly."The King is due our respectful conversation, at all times. Brethren, let's pray for one another."What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more." Robert Murray M'Cheynee Donation link:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab.Assistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossard.www.freerangepreacheronprayer.comfreerangeprayer@gmail.comFacebook - Free Range Preacher MinistriesInstagram: freerangeministriesAll our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.For access to the Voice Over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at Durringtonr@gmail.comOur podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 InstagramSeason 007Episode 028

 On October 12, 2024, tens of thousands of Christians gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., answering a call from charismatic activist Jenny Donnelly and pastor Lou Engle. The event, held on Yom Kippur, blended prayer political mobilization as speakers urged believers to take action ahead of the 2024 election. With banners reading #DontMessWithOurKids, the rally tapped into fears about gender and sexuality, echoing similar movements abroad. The results of the 2024 election suggest Donnelly's efforts were effective. With insight from journalists Alice Herman and Elle Hardy, Dr. Leah Payne asks: who is Jenny Donnelly? How did she rise to this unique position of influence in the Trump media-verse? And how is her fusion of faith, activism, and conspiracy shaping the Christian right? Links and Additional Resources: “‘Mama bears are rising up': the rightwing Christian entrepreneur aiming for a takeover of local US government,” The Guardian, Alice Herman Beyond Belief: How Pentecostal Christianity Is Taking Over the World, Elle Hardy “Kamala Harris is being called ‘Jezebel' – a Biblical expert explains why it's a menacing slur,” The Conversation, Meredith Warren “The particularly Pentecostal flavor of Mayra Flores' Christian nationalism,” Religion News Service, Erica Ramirez Gender & Pentecostal Revivalism, Palgrave Macmillan, Leah Payne Join Leah & many other scholars, activists, and artists considering music the rise of Pentecostal and charismatic Christianity at the 2025 Summer Institute for Global Charismatic & Pentecostal Studies at Candler School of Theology at Emory University, May 21-23 in Decatur, GA. Registration is free! Spirit and Power is produced by the Institute for Religion, Media, and Civic Engagement. Created by Dr. Leah Payne Producer: Andrew Gill Executive Producer: Dr. Bradley Onishi Audio Engineer and Music: R. Scott Okamoto Production Assistance: Kari Onishi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Protest leaders are organizing a large demonstration in Jerusalem against Prime Minister Netanyahu for saying he is going to fire Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar; Hamas announced it would release Israeli - American hostage soldier Edan Alexander along with the bodies of four slain hostages who also held dual US nationality & An enchanting Tel Aviv tale about a beauty pageant for the best Queen Esther… someone stole the crown and has given it back some 8 decades later! But where is it?Israel Daily News website: https://israeldailynews.orgSong of Ascent Matisyahu Documentary Screening Tues. March 18th, 2025 bit.ly/3DkZI3pIsrael Daily News Roundtable: https://www.patreon.com/shannafuldSupport our Wartime News Coverage: https://www.gofundme.com/f/independent-journalist-covering-israels-warLinks to all things IDN:⁠ https://linktr.ee/israeldailynews⁠Music: Aneni Na; Kunda & Laor https://youtu.be/18nDVcHFjCU

Gambling on A Day Like Purim THE GAMBLER The threat of adultery appears repeatedly in the story of redemption. Sarah and Rivkah were put at risk with Pharaoh and Avimelech. By legal custom, Tamar was to have married Judah's youngest son, but Judah had delayed the marriage, so it was thought that Tamar had committed adultery when she began to show her pregnancy. Rahab was thought to be a harlot. However, each of these women proved themselves righteous, courageous, and faithful in affirming the promise of a Land, a Covenant, and a People in Israel. Although subtler, the question of fidelity is also present in the Scroll of Esther. Esther has requested that the Jews fast and pray for three days. On the third day, associated with resurrection, she approaches the King. Perhaps she knew when she resigned herself, "If I perish, I perish," that although the risk required her voluntary surrender to that possible death, it could also become a resurrection day in a number of ways. On this third day, Queen Esther requests that the King and Haman attend a wine banquet. The wine banquets hold two mysteries. First, wine is associated with the Feast of Sukkot, which is a time to bring the first fruits from the wine vat. Esther is positioning herself to negotiate salvation not simply for the Jews, but prophetically for the first fruits from among the nations where the Jews have been scattered. In the winepress of the King's wrath, Esther becomes a waving lulav of hadassah branches at Sukkot, waving for the four corners of the Earth where Israel is scattered. The second mystery is found in the Hebrew grammar of Esther's invitation. In Esther 5:4, she requests, "If it please the King, let the King and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him." There is the problem. The subject is plural, "the King and Haman," yet the pronoun is singular, "him." She should have said, "a banquet I have prepared for them."  This plants a seed of doubt in the King's mind. Is she preparing the banquet for him or Haman?[1] The King and Haman attend the third-day wine banquet, but Esther still conceals her motive for inviting them...or is it him? Instead of giving a direct answer, Esther requests that they attend another wine banquet the following day, the fourth day. In Revelation, the message to the fourth assembly, Thyatira, marks the transition with the fourth day from "tribulation" to "great tribulation." The King knows Esther is troubled, nevertheless he is even more troubled by nightfall. He can't sleep! What is he thinking about? Perhaps the relationship between his Queen and his second-in-command, Haman. Why would a woman kept in seclusion with her maids and eunuchs request only Haman's presence along with the King's? How did she know Haman? The King had been the subject of assassination plots before, so what was Haman up to? Not coincidentally, this tribulation of mind keeps the King awake that fourth night, which had already begun at sundown that evening.[2] The text reads more literally than usually is translated in English. It would be better translated as, "The sleep of the King was shaken." He calls for the record books to be read. At this point, the King hears about Mordechai's intervention on his behalf when two of his high officers plotted to kill him. At last, a loyal subject, this Jew Mordechai. And wasn't Esther his Queen the one who'd actually informed him of the plot? No wonder the King was troubled. At this opportune moment, Haman enters to request permission to hang Mordechai in advance of the decreed destruction upon the Jews. Speak of the devil! The King tests Haman with a question, but Haman's pride prevents him from grasping the questions hidden within the question, which might be, "Haman, what are you up to? Are you trying to steal my kingdom and my queen? Second-in-command and my ring aren't enough for you?

The Prophetic Significance of Purim in 2025: A Call to Courage and Awakening • Friday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give As we approach Purim in 2025, we must recognize that this is not just an ancient Jewish holiday—it is a prophetic message for this very hour. The story of Esther, Mordecai, and Haman is more than history; it is a blueprint for the spiritual battle we face today. The enemy has set traps, decrees, and wicked schemes against God's people, but Purim reminds us that divine reversals, supernatural intervention, and bold faith will lead us to victory. God is calling His remnant to rise up like Esther and Mordecai, to recognize the times, and to stand against the Haman spirit that seeks to destroy faith, truth, and righteousness in our day. Purim is a call to courage, fasting, discernment, and action. Let's dive into the Word and uncover why this moment in 2025 is critical for believers to understand and walk in the spirit of Purim. 1. Recognizing the Times: The Battle of Light and Darkness Esther 3:8-9 (NKJV) “Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, ‘There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of your kingdom; their laws are different from all other people's, and they do not keep the king's laws. Therefore it is not fitting for the king to let them remain. If it pleases the king, let a decree be written that they be destroyed…'” 2. The Call to Boldness: You Were Born for Such a Time as This Esther 4:14 (NKJV) “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” 3. Fasting and Prayer Release Breakthrough Esther 4:16 (NKJV) “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” 4. Divine Reversals: What the Enemy Meant for Evil, God Turns for Good Esther 9:1 (NKJV) “On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them.” 5. The Scepter of Favor: Authority in the Courts of Heaven Esther 5:2 (NKJV) “So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter.” 6. The Haman Spirit Will Hang on Its Own Gallows Esther 7:10 (NKJV) “So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king's wrath subsided.” 7. The Call to Celebrate and Remember Esther 9:28 (NKJV) “That these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city, that these days of Purim should not fail to be observed among the Jews, and that the memory of them should not perish among their descendants.” 8. No Weapon Formed Against Us Will Prosper Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV) “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord.” 9. Be Strong and Courageous Joshua 1:9 (NKJV) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” 10. The Lord Will Fight for You Exodus 14:14 (NKJV) “The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” This Is Our Purim Moment Purim in 2025 is a prophetic call to: • Wake up and recognize the times. • Fast, pray, and seek divine strategy. • Stand in courage and take action. • Believe in the power of divine reversals. • Walk in authority and favor.

Episode 109: International Women's Day & Purim-salute to all our Queens in this Wahala season!

(6:03) Bible Study: Esther C: 12, 14-16, 23-25 —Queen Esther is taking her life in her hand when speaking the truth to the King Matthew 7:7-12 —-God will give you what you need. If I door doesn't open, don't push it open, there's a reason why it's locked. (21:15) Letters: Should I visit family gravesites? Why did the patriarchs get punished in the Old Testament? How could Sola Scriptura make sense when body language is important? Fr. Simon explains to forgive is to let go. Father answers these and other questions. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (32:54) Word of the Day: Nineveh and South (36:13) Phones: Joseph-I am elderly and cant get to mass without someone picking me up. is there a service that picks people up who want to go to Mass. Elvie-are all of the books in the Bible written by person whose name appears as the author. Pamela-Joseph should apply for Paratransit. this is in state of California. I use this all the time. I am blind. Darin-you talked about surrender novena. what does it mean to truly surrender? John-Book of Esther. Why do people say that name of God doesn't appear in Book of Esther.

The Purim Perspective: Silence Before Salvation Purim is more than celebration—it's a revelation of G-d's hidden hand in history. Queen Esther's decision to wait before revealing Haman's plot teaches a powerful lesson: sometimes, the greatest victories come not through immediate action, but through patience, faith, and divine timing. Today, as we witness unfolding events in Israel and beyond, we are reminded that even in darkness, G-d is setting the stage for redemption. The very struggles that test our faith are often the catalysts for transformation.

This week, Jews around the world will celebrate the holiday of Purim to commemorate Queen Esther's courageous acts that saved the Jewish people from genocide in Persia, which is present-day Iran.Today, although the Iranian regime still seeks Israel's destruction, Amelia explains why the Jewish people can rest in the knowledge that no force, whether ancient or modern, will ever wipe them from the earth. 

As we learn more about Esther with Pastor Jeff, today we learn how prudent she was in her request to the king and how we can follow her example. Esther 7:3 3 Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if the king is pleased, spare my life; this is my request. And spare my people; this is my desire.

A rare 17th-century parchment scroll of the Book of Esther, on loan from the National Library of Israel, has returned temporarily to the town of its creation, Ferrara, Italy, as part of a new exhibition that opened this week at the National Museum of Italian Judaism and the Shoah (MEIS). The exhibition, "Beautiful Esther: Purim, a Timeless Story," explores the Biblical figure of Queen Esther through Renaissance art, rare parchments, historical artifacts, and interactive displays. The scroll, or megillah, was written and illuminated in 1616 by Moshe Ben Avraham Pescarol, for a man named Mordechai Ben Eliyahu Halevi, who lived in the town of Brescello, near Ferrara, according to information written on the megillah itself. Dr. Chaim Neria, curator of the Haim and Hanna Solomon Judaica Collection at the National Library of Israel told KAN reporter Naomi Segal that the illuminated megillah is believed to be the first in the Jewish world where the illustrations are part of the narrative. (Photo: Ferrara Megillah. Ardon Bar-Hama)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Purim! In this special bonus episode, you'll hear our thoughts on Megillat Esther, the scroll that we read each year on Purim. It's nice to have a holiday with a heroine, using her feminine wiles to save our people.Have a joyous, festive Purim, even in these troubling times!

What does it mean to be called to greatness by history itself? Join Kathy and me as we unravel how historical figures like Winston Churchill and Queen Esther became pivotal forces in their eras. Explore how the current historical landscape offers profound opportunities for us all to step into roles as doers of the word, embracing challenges that shape us into history makers. We discuss the possibility that even those who see themselves as ordinary can rise to prominence by embracing the unique challenges of our time.Can laws truly change the human heart, or do they only shape our actions? In this eye-opening segment, Kathy and I dissect the complex relationship between legislation, personal transformation, and the church's vital role during times of societal transition. Through vivid analogies, we highlight the limits of external changes and emphasize the need for deep spiritual renewal. The church's influence should be as substantial as political legislation, fostering genuine spiritual awakenings that transcend temporary emotional comforts.Key Takeaways:History has the potential to shape individuals, and individuals have the power to shape history.The church's primary role should be fostering spiritual transformation, not simply addressing feelings.Political changes require parallel spiritual awakenings within the church to impact society meaningfully.Real change comes from losing oneself in spiritual pursuits rather than increasing self-focus.The current socio-political climate offers a unique opportunity for the church to inspire revival and foster history makers.Looking for more? Join our More Faith More Life community: https://morefaithmorelife.comAbout the host: Steve Gray is the founding and senior pastor of Revive Church KC. He has been in the full time ministry for over 40 years and was launched into national and international recognition in the late 1990's as the leader of the historic Smithton Outpouring, and again in 2009 when he led the Kansas City Revival which was televised nationally on the Daystar television network. Steve is also a veteran musician, songwriter, recording artist and published author. His books include When The Kingdom Comes, Follow The Fire, My Absurd Religion, If You Only Knew, and Mighty Like Gideon.

My friend, Vanessa Hidary. Vanessa Hidary is a cool person. She is a spoken word artist, an educator, and an advocate. She is a trail-blazer. Her work has had a profound impact on both the Jewish community and beyond. Recently, the ADL honored her as a "Hero Against Hate."  Vanessa embodies the bravery of Queen Esther, the pride of Mordecai, and a little bit of Vashti's attitude thrown in for good measure. She is a one woman megillah. How did we first meet? We were at a Jewish conference together – the Conversation, which was convened by the veteran Jewish journalist Gary Rosenblatt. At that conference, she did a performance of her signature poem, "Hebrew Mamita." It was a celebration of her diverse, proud, take-no-prisoners Jewish identity – as a daughter of the Syrian-Jewish diaspora. She challenged Jewish stereotypes.  I was overwhelmed. “Hebrew Mamita” became a classic. Vanessa performed it in New York City venues, and that was how she became a pioneering voice Jewish identity in the slam poetry scene. "Hebrew Mamita" was featured on HBO's Def Poetry Jam, where she openly discussed her Jewish heritage. She founded the Kaleidoscope Project, a narrative-arts initiative that amplifies the stories of Jews of color, Sephardic and Mizrachi Jews, and those with interfaith experiences. In the podcast, we talk about our responses to the murder of the Bibas children; what it means to be a Jew in the arts community, after October 7; and what it means to be politically homeless, after October 7. And, we talked about her spoken-word piece, "Bad Jew."

LISTEN!!!

Celebrating Purim  Part 3:  Revealing What Is Hidden  -  English and Spanish. Not only is God hidden in the Book of Esther, but Queen Esther is hidden as well.  The Scriptures offer an amazing solution to this problem!  Recorded March 8, 2025. Celebrando Purim  Parte 3:  Revelando lo que está oculto - Inglés y Español. No solo Dios esta escondido en el Libro de Ester, pero la Reina Ester tambien esta escondida.  ¡Las Escrituras ofrecen una asombrosa solución a este problema!  Grabado el 8 de marzo de 2025.

Tetzaveh - Likrat Purim | The Garments of the High Priest and Queen Esther, by Rav Yair Kahn

In this episode of The Renewed Mind, we dive into a powerful lesson from the life of Esther that challenges our modern view of influence. In a world that equates visibility with impact, Esther's story reminds us that true influence isn't about being seen—it's about being faithful. Why real influence isn't about numbers but about obedience. How Esther's boldness and preparation show us the power of purposeful action. The difference between fleeting fame and lasting legacy. If you've ever felt the pressure to keep up with social media or wondered whether your impact really matters, this episode is for you. Listen in and be encouraged to shift your focus from momentary recognition to a life of true purpose. ➡️ Listen now!

Thank you for listening, please go to StreamcastDetroit.com/donate and pledge your support for Let's Talk TorahIt's all about Purim, the hidden, the revealed, the whole Megila Part 2Join Rabbi Tzvi as he tells the story of Queen Esther, King Achashverosh and what is a miracle and what isn't Thank you for listening, please go to StreamcastDetroit.com/donate and pledge your support for Let's Talk Torah

Thank you for listening, please go to StreamcastDetroit.com/donate and pledge your support for Let's Talk TorahIt's all about Purim, the hidden, the revealed, the whole MegilaJoin Rabbi Tzvi as he tells the story of Queen Esther, King Achashverosh and what is a miracle and what isn't Thank you for listening, please go to StreamcastDetroit.com/donate and pledge your support for Let's Talk Torah

What can the story of Queen Esther teach us about the post October 7th world?

If we want our children to live according to godly—not worldly—values, then courage is one of the most important values that we can pass down to them.Courage is celebrated each year during the biblical observance of Purim, which commemorates the story of Queen Esther, whose courageous actions saved the Jewish people from certain annihilation. As Yael shares, it is faith that gave Esther her courage, and courage that gave her the confidence to take a stand for her people. Together, faith and courage have always advanced God's work on earth.Listen to Yael's inspiring call to raise the next generation to be “strong and courageous.”And listen to more of Yael's Bible teachings on her new podcast, The Chosen People.

In this session, we conclude the story of Esther and explore the hidden workings of God in her story. As the Jews face annihilation due to a Persian edict, Queen Esther courageously risks her life to protect her people. The narrative takes a dramatic turn, featuring a reversal of fortunes for the Jews and their enemy, Haman. Despite God's apparent hiddenness, we see His fingerprints in every event – from Esther's rise to power, Mordecai's honor, to the ultimate salvation of the Jews. We learn that even in God's hiddenness, He is always at work.Bible ReadingsEsther 6:1-14Esther 7:1-10Esther 9:18-28Acts 1:26Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @biblelitTwitter: @bible_litFacebook: @biblelitEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out ou...

Send us a textHello, may I have five minutes of your time? Almost everyone is going through a life challenge right now. And if you're not going through something, you probably know someone who is. My name is Stephanie Wright, and I want to briefly discuss how we can help one another through these challenges. Many Christian denominations will observe Lent from March 5th until Easter or Resurrection Sunday, April 20, 2025. This is when we commemorate Jesus' 40 days and nights in prayer and fasting in the desert. Afterward, he began his dynamic ministry in which multitudes were healed in their bodies, minds, and souls.Would you consider dedicating 40 days or a portion of 40 days sacrificing one thing leading up to Resurrection Sunday? For most people, it is food—the way Jesus fasted. Or perhaps it would be consecrating yourself from a favorite pastime like television or social media. Whatever you decide, be sure you give time to God in prayer. He is looking for a sincere and believing heart.If you fast from food, be sure to be wise and follow your healthcare provider's instructions. You might think that your fasting and praying is like dropping a teaspoon of water in the ocean. You would be wrong. There are numerous biblical and real-life examples where one person changed the outcome of circumstances and even saved a nation because they fasted and prayed.In Exodus chapters 24, 32, and 34, Moses went on at least two 40-day fasts. God was going to wipe out the Israelites for worshiping a golden idol. But after Moses' fast, God spared their lives.In the book of Jonah, the king of Nineveh put his country, himself, and even the animals on a fast of unspecified days. Jonah warned him of their downfall if he did not repent. God saw their works and spared Nineveh.Queen Esther declared a three-day fast with no food or water for all Jews in 127 provinces covering 2,700 miles in Persia. God delivered her people from annihilation by an evil man named Haman.The last Old Testament example I will give you is the prophet Elijah in I Kings chapters 20 and 21. Elijah fasted 40 days and nights, which led to the death of the evil queen, Jezebel, and her husband King Ahab.I will close with Jesus and the works He did after His 40-day fast. He healed the brokenhearted, set people free from physical afflictions, opened the blinded eyes, and more. Fasting and prayer bring spiritual, physical, and financial blessings.God is no respecter of persons. Therefore, you are no less important than the Bible personalities we discussed today. And your prayers are no less powerful than theirs. So, consider the impact you could have if you commit yourself to a fast and prayer during the days leading up to Resurrection Sunday.If you want an extended version of this presentation, listen to our podcast Episode 5, “H Stands for The Holy Spirit, Our Helper,” in our series, “Stay in His Presence.”  Thank you for joining me today, and may you have a blessed time in preparation for Resurrection Sunday.Now, let's go to Apostle Charles, who will close us out with contact information and tell you how to acces | ReplyForwardAdd reactionIf you want to contact us or comment on this podcast, please visit our website at cgmissions.com/podcast, where all episodes are available by category in series format. You can see the most recent video and audio podcasts at: www.youtube.com/@cgmissionsinc then select from the video or podcast"Playlist." CGM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations may be made on our website: https://www.cgmissions.com/donate-here/

Call Forth a Woman | Shubert Theatre New Haven Call Forth A Woman takes you on a journey through stories of the powerfully dynamic women in the bible, often forgotten but most notably heroic and significant in the text. When fulfilling the call of their purpose, they shifted the paradigm of culture, government, the arts, business, and family life. Women like Midwives Shiphrah and Puah who stood against Pharoah for future generations to come. Queen Esther, whose bravery and humility claimed the highest seat in Persia as she fought against the destruction of her Jewish heritage. Battle Heroine Jael whose hands rendered the defeat of an entire army with Judge Deborah's sharp battle strategy and Huldah who was a scholar of text, preparing young prophets to enlighten and lead; these women reflected the life and times of women who are called into different stratospheres today. Enjoy the life and multidimensional aspects of womanhood while you see yourself, mother, sister, wife, and daughter brought to life on stage.

What if your self-care routine was the key to stepping into your God-given purpose? Queen Esther didn't just step into her calling—she prepared for it with months of intentional self-care. In this episode, we're diving into biblical self-care, beauty routines, and holistic wellness to help you nourish your body, radiate confidence, and serve from overflow. Learn how to treat your body as a temple, embrace natural skincare and haircare, and incorporate rest, hydration, and movement into your daily routine.Scriptures Referenced3 John 1:2Esther 2:121 Corinthians 6:19-20Recipes Mentioned in the EpisodeGinger Turmeric ShotEpisodes referenced082 // Boost Your Energy With Hydration: Essential Tips for Busy Christian Women023 // Five Things to Do Today to Achieve Your Glowing Skin Goal005 // Leveling up the Everyday: 5 Ways to Turn Your Daily Shower Into a Self-Care Experience106 // Dressing for Work Series Part 2 of 3: Elegant or Edgy, Blending Your Faith With FashionWant to savor more goodness?I'm so excited you're here! Let's make the most of it with these special opportunities:Join the P31Virtues Community: If you're ready to find balance, peace, and a little extra inspiration each week, come together with women who understand the beauty of living a multifaceted life. Plus, get the weekly recipe delivered straight to your inbox! Find the support you need to thrive at ⁠⁠community.p31virtues.com⁠.Put Your Faith into Action Daily: Experience the harmony and satisfaction you deserve. Grab your copy of ⁠Cultivate Calm: The Weekly Devotional Study For Multifaceted Christian Women⁠ and start embracing a life of peace and balance.Elevate Your Well-Being: Access the ⁠Journey to Holistic Wellness Bundle⁠ for lifetime access to wisdom from 30 experts, including Shanna Pyzer's Break the Habit of Overeating. Start your holistic health transformation ⁠now⁠!Let's Connect:Email: ⁠hello@p31virtues.com⁠Note: The show notes may contain affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!

Social media is more than just a time-waster—it's a powerful force shaping the way we see reality, make decisions, and interact with others. In this episode of The Renewed Mind, Ashley Varner dives into the hidden dangers of social media, including how it distorts reality, sneaky advertising that influences us without our knowledge, and the rise of an entitled, keyboard-warrior culture. Ashley also shares biblical wisdom on how to use social media with discernment and invites you to join the waitlist for her new book, The Ultimate Influencer: Lessons from Queen Esther, releasing March 15! Get a free devotional and pre-sale discount by signing up at ashleyvarner.com/esther. Episode Highlights: ✅ How social media creates a distorted reality and fuels comparison ✅ The hidden dangers of influencer marketing and undisclosed ads ✅ How social media encourages entitlement and harsh online behavior ✅ Biblical wisdom for using social media wisely ✅ Special invitation to join The Ultimate Influencer waitlist

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Elior's Courage: A Graduation Day to Remember Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-02-26-23-34-02-he Story Transcript:He: בחורף, באוניברסיטת תל אביב, עמדו הסטודנטים מוכנים ליום מרגש.En: In the winter, at Universitat Tel Aviv, the students were ready for an exciting day.He: זה היה יום סיום הלימודים והכנות היו בעיצומן.En: It was graduation day, and preparations were in full swing.He: לעיר הייתה חגיגה נוספת באותו היום - פורים.En: The city had another celebration that day – Purim.He: ברחבי הקמפוס הירוק והיפה, היו תלויים קישוטים צבעוניים והסטודנטים הסתובבו עם תחפושות ייחודיות, מה שהוסיף צבע ורוח טובה לאווירה.En: Around the green and beautiful campus, colorful decorations were hung, and the students wandered around in unique costumes, which added color and good spirit to the atmosphere.He: בין הסטודנטים היה אליאור, סטודנט חרוץ ומסור.En: Among the students was Elior, a diligent and dedicated student.He: אבל, בלבו היו חששות.En: However, in his heart, there were concerns.He: הוא התבקש לנאום בסיום, אך חשש שהנאום שלו לא ייגע בליבם של חבריו.En: He was asked to give a speech at the graduation but feared that his speech wouldn't touch the hearts of his friends.He: שירה, חברתו הטובה והתומכת, ניסתה לעודד אותו.En: Shira, his good and supportive friend, tried to encourage him.He: "אתה יכול לעשות את זה, אליאור," היא אמרה עם חיוך.En: "You can do it, Elior," she said with a smile.He: באותו הזמן, נועם, חבר כיתה נוסף, הציג שאפתנות וכריזמה בנאומיו.En: At the same time, Noam, another classmate, showed ambition and charisma in his speeches.He: נועם לא סבל מתחושות ספקות כמו אליאור.En: Noam didn't suffer from feelings of doubt like Elior.He: הוא הרגיש בטוח בעצמו.En: He felt confident in himself.He: אליאור התלבט אם יש לו את מה שצריך כדי להצליח כמו נועם.En: Elior wondered if he had what it took to succeed like Noam.He: בלילה לפני החגיגה, אליאור התיישב לכתוב את נאומו.En: The night before the celebration, Elior sat down to write his speech.He: הוא החליט לשלב סיפורים אישיים ואלמנטים תרבותיים מפורים כדי להפוך את נאומו למיוחד.En: He decided to incorporate personal stories and cultural elements from Purim to make his speech special.He: הוא סיפר על גבורתה של אסתר המלכה ועל חגיגות הדלקת הנרות והמסכות.En: He spoke about the bravery of Queen Esther and the celebrations of candle lighting and masks.He: בזמן הכתיבה, הוא הבין שהכי חשוב להיות כנה ומי ששומע ירגיש זאת.En: While writing, he realized that the most important thing was to be honest, and whoever listens will feel it.He: ביום שלאחר מכן, כאשר עלה לבמה, לבו דפק בחוזקה.En: The next day, when he went up to the stage, his heart was pounding hard.He: הקהל ישב והתכונן לשמוע.En: The audience sat down and prepared to listen.He: אליאור נשם עמוק והחל לדבר.En: Elior took a deep breath and began to speak.He: הוא דיבר על התגברות על פחדים, על השגת המטרות בעזרת חברים, כמו שירה, והושרה ביכולות פנימיות.En: He talked about overcoming fears, achieving goals with the help of friends, like Shira, and relying on inner abilities.He: באותו רגע, אליאור חש איך הפחד פג והביטחון התפשט בתוכו.En: At that moment, Elior felt the fear vanish and confidence spread within him.He: הקהל הקשיב בשקט מוחלט, ולרגע קצר, הדבר הכי חשוב היה החיבור האמיתי שנוצר.En: The audience listened in complete silence, and for a brief moment, the most important thing was the genuine connection created.He: הנאום נגמר במחיאות כפיים רמות.En: The speech ended with loud applause.He: חבריו ניגשו וחיבקו את אליאור.En: His friends approached and hugged Elior.He: הוא חש התרגשות וגאווה על מה שהצליח להעביר לנוכחים.En: He felt excitement and pride in what he managed to convey to those present.He: כך, דרך הכנות והחיבור לאמת הפנימית שלו, אליאור זכה בביטחון חדש.En: Thus, through honesty and connection to his inner truth, Elior gained new confidence.He: הוא למד שדווקא הייחודיות והאותנטיות שלו היוו את הכוח הגדול ביותר שלו.En: He learned that his uniqueness and authenticity were his greatest strengths.He: בסיום המחזה, אליאור יצא מהאולם עם חיוך בלב וביטחון שרק הולך ומתחזק.En: At the end of the event, Elior left the auditorium with a smile in his heart and confidence that only continued to grow. Vocabulary Words:winter: חורףgraduation: סיום הלימודיםpreparations: הכנותcelebration: חגיגהdecorations: קישוטיםcostumes: תחפושותatmosphere: אווירהdiligent: חרוץdedicated: מסורconcerns: חששותencourage: לעודדambition: שאפתנותcharisma: כריזמהsuffer: סבלdoubt: ספקותincorporate: לשלבbravery: גבורתהcandles: נרותmasks: מסכותhonest: כנהpounding: דפק בחוזקהovercoming: התגברותrelying: הושרהvanish: פגauthenticity: אותנטיותstrengths: כוחauditorium: אולםpride: גאווהexcitement: התרגשותgenuine: חיבור אמיתיBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Fear has a way of paralyzing us. Whether it's fear of stepping into a new calling, speaking up for truth, or simply trusting God with the unknown, it can feel overwhelming. But the story of Queen Esther shows us that courage isn't about feeling brave—it's about trusting God in the middle of fear. In today's episode, we'll explore: ✨ Why courage starts with faith, not feelings (Isaiah 41:10) ✨ How to step forward despite fear (Joshua 1:9) ✨ The ripple effect of courage—how your faith can inspire others (2 Timothy 1:7) God hasn't given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind! So what bold step is He calling you to take today?

A businessman and book author recently told me: In my search for leadership knowledge, I kept coming back to the Bible and realized that Proverbs is a practical business book. I don't need much more. The Bible IS a source of wise counsel for us in all aspects of our life and that includes our work. .... Many Kingdom workplace leaders hold to the belief that the Bible is THE BEST BUSINESS BOOK ever written.  Psalms provides wisdom during challenges, to give words to our lamenting and petitions to the Lord.  The leaders in the bible, such as Moses, Deborah, Abraham and Queen Esther, provide real examples of what it looks like to BE a Godly leader. When's the last time YOU went to THE WORD for business wisdom? 

“To be a Jew is to know that because of who we are, because of our historical experience, we care for the other. This is really one of the great tensions of our moment. Of how to be eyes wide open to Israel's need for self-defense, and at the same time recognize the real suffering that's going on in Gaza and to know that we need to find a way to hold both of those together.” Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, spiritual leader of Park Avenue Synagogue in New York, explores the complexities of Jewish identity in a post-October 7th world in his new book, For Such a Time As This: On Being Jewish Today. In this conversation, he unpacks the tension between Israel's need for self-defense and the suffering experienced by Gazans and Israelis and the challenge of balancing empathy with vigilance. He also shares his personal journey to the rabbinate and what it means to live as a Jew in this pivotal moment. *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views or position of AJC.  Sign up for AJC Global Forum: Register at AJC.org/GlobalForum2025 for the premier global Jewish advocacy conference of the year, in New York City, April 27-29 2025 Listen – AJC Podcasts: The Forgotten Exodus: with Hen Mazzig, Einat Admony, and more. People of the Pod:  The Oldest Holocaust Survivor Siblings: A Tale of Family, Survival, and Hope Israeli Hostages Freed: Inside the Emotional Reunions, High-Stakes Negotiations, and What's Next Bring Them Home: Understanding the Israel-Hamas Hostage Deal and Its Impact Pack One Bag: Stanley Tucci and David Modigliani Uncover His Jewish Family's Escape from Fascism and Antisemitism in 1930s Italy Follow People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you've appreciated this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. __ Transcript of Conversation with Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove:  Josh Kramer: AJC Global Forum is returning to New York City, April 27 to 29th 2025. I'm Josh Kramer. AJC New York Regional Director, and I hope to see you there. You won't want to miss this opportunity to join with more than 2000 other activists and engage in thought provoking discussions on the future of the Jewish people, Israel, America, and the world.  Our program will feature large plenary sessions with headline speakers, smaller breakout sessions designed to explore the key political, strategic and social concerns affecting the global Jewish community, and exclusive opportunities to engage with diplomats, decision makers, interfaith partners, community leaders and more.  Will you be in the room? Register today at AJC.org/GlobalForum2025 to take part in the premier global Jewish advocacy conference of the year. Now is the time to join AJC in shaping a new future. Head to AJC.org/GlobalForum2025. Manya Brachear Pashman:   I've done quite a bit of soul searching in the 15 months since October 7. How do I grapple with the tragedy in Israel and Gaza and the hatred Jews face on American soil without scaring my children away from Judaism?  Then came our Temple's Purim spiel last spring. That story of Queen Esther's bravery, in some ways, helped. It was about that same time that Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, the spiritual leader at Park Avenue Synagogue in New York, picked up his pen and began to write his latest book, named for a line in Queen Esther's tale – For Such a Time As This: On Being Jewish Today. Rabbi Cosgrove is with us now. Rabbi, welcome to People of the Pod. Elliot Cosgrove:   Thank you. It's great to be here.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   So I have to tell you, rehearsals began for this year's Purim spiel as I was reading this book, which made it all the more powerful. What inspired you to write this? Elliot Cosgrove:   Well, for me, I draw wisdom from text, and I was trying to think of what would be an analogous moment for what we were going through as American Jews from the ancient text.  And for me, as you say, this is now on the cusp of Purim 2025, it was the story of Esther that we read. And in many of our synagogues, we have Purim spiels, where we act out the story, which is basically the story of a Jewish community of ancient Shushan who believed themselves to have it good, that they were comfortable in the diaspora. And the wicked decree of Haman came down and Esther, whose name actually means to hide, she hid herself, her Jewish identity in the king's palace, and believed that she was comfortable there.  When the decree came down, Mordechai, her uncle, by way of an emissary, sent a message to her. “Don't think yourself to be safe from Haman's decree. Who knows, if it was not for such a time as this that you've arrived at your station.” And I saw this as really the calling card of our moment that we all felt ourselves in the wake of October 7, Esther-like called to action. The trauma of October 7, but also the call to action, to step up to the moment, the needs of our people. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Tell us about your writing process. Elliot Cosgrove:   I buried myself in my writing from before dawn until mid-morning, and then I would hit a wall. And I didn't take a sabbatical. I actually went into my day job as a congregational rabbi. It was a very intense writing process and then in the course of about three to four months sent the manuscript off to the publisher. Manya, the thing about the book is it was very disorienting to write as the events were playing out, both in Israel and in the States. And one of the worries that I had that I spoke to the publisher about was, well, what if this becomes dated? You know, it was not journalism, but I was writing as the news was happening, and the good news and the bad news is that the themes that I pick up on: the trauma of Israel, the blurred line between anti-Zionism and antisemitism, how we balance empathy and vigilance, the question of the hostages, of thinking about a day after for Israel and the Palestinians, these questions are not only still relevant, but they're actually more pressing than ever. So unfortunately, the themes that I hit on in the book, very much present right now. Manya Brachear Pashman:   How did that writing process help you personally process what you were witnessing and experiencing as a Jew in America? Elliot Cosgrove:   I'll say this, that as a rabbi, I often see my job–someone calls, they've just gotten bad news in the hospital, a loved one has passed away. Or a happy thing, that their child has just gotten engaged, or they themselves have just become new parents. And people turn to clergy to get the first line of constructing the narrative of what it is they are experiencing.  And for me, there is something deeply personal and deeply pastoral about this book, because I feel like it's seeking, hopefully, to give the language to American Jews as to how to construct this new reality of a post October 7 existence, the jumble of emotions, of trauma, but also the emergence of Jewish identity, the likes of which we've never seen before, the argument for continued defense of Israel's right to self determination, as well as an assurance that the traumas of October 7 never happen again. And in the same breath to think actively about what does the day after look like. I think we're all searching for language for these and other tensions of our moment, and I'm hoping that the book is sort of a vocabulary builder for our time. Manya Brachear Pashman:   One word that you used many times in the book, and it stuck with me, just because maybe it's one of my favorite words, and that is empathy. And you used it in different chapters, different contexts. And I'm curious if you could share with the audience the role of empathy and how it is a guiding force, how it has been a guiding force since October 7. Elliot Cosgrove:   Empathy, both its presence and its absence, has been a subplot of this moment, because I think empathy is ingrained into the Jewish DNA. You open up the Passover Haggadah, and on the one hand, we know that we are vigilant against every generation a pharaoh arises to destroy us. We are guards up. We are a people who knows the importance of ancient hatreds, of being vigilant against them, and also the ring of fire that Israel sits in by way of Iran and its proxies.  I mean, Israel's in a very tight spot, and American Jewry is in a very tight spot. And at the same time, empathy is who we are. You were once a stranger in a strange land. Therefore you should know the heart of a stranger. To be a Jew is to know that because of who we are, because of our historical experience, we care for the other. And I think that this is really one of the great tensions of our moment of how to, you know, be eyes wide open to Israel's need to self defense, and at the same time recognize the real suffering that's going on in Gaza and and to know that we need to find a way to hold both of those together. That Israel needs to fight this war as if there's no tomorrow, and Israel has to fight this war with an eye to tomorrow, with the same ferocity that it prosecutes this war, it has to pursue a day after plan. And I think that somewhere along the way, it's the voices on the extremes who are speaking with the loudest megaphones. And the goal of this moment is to realize that we need to find a way to embrace both.  I think it was Fitzgerald who said the test of a great mind is the ability to hold two opposing ideas and retain the ability to function. I think the test of the Jewish community right now is the ability to hold both vigilance and empathy at the same time and retain the ability to move forward with hope. Manya Brachear Pashman:   And how can empathy help here on American soil, where we're facing protesters, we're facing all kinds of opposition and questions and hatred because of what's happening overseas. How do we use empathy here on American soil? Elliot Cosgrove:   First of all, it's hard. It's hard. When you are under attack, the last thing anyone wants to do is feel someone else's pain. When someone is calling me a colonialist oppressor, when someone is calling for the destruction of the Jewish state, something which is part and parcel to my identity, core to my very being – my initial instinct is not to inquire into how they feel and have empathy. My initial instinct is to have shields of self-defense, prioritize the needs of my people over anyone else's. I think that's a human thing to do.  And as long as the hostages are hostages, as long as Israel stands in a vulnerable position, I think we need to be eyes wide open to that, and then we need to breathe, and we need to remember what it means to be a Jew.  And we need to remember that it takes two to tango, and that if we are going to create a future whereby Jews and Palestinians can live side by side in safety and self determination, then we need to realize that there are two peoples worthy of realizing that dream, and that requires empathy, Manya. Manya Brachear Pashman:   You were not always that religious or observant of your religious tradition. Can you tell our audience how you became a rabbi? Elliot Cosgrove:   How long do we have? This is a big question, but, look as with any way we construct our realities and tell our origin stories, there are a million ways to tell it. The truth of the matter is, I am the grandson of a congregational rabbi, an orthodox rabbi. So to say that I had somehow strayed from the path is a little bit of an overstatement. But I will say that I grew up in a traditional Jewish background. I'm very proud of the home I grew up in, but when I went off to college, it was very much something I did, Judaism was something I did at home. And I can't say that my first few years at my alma mater at University of Michigan were known by way of my religious affiliations and commitments. And then I got a phone call my junior year of college, that a figure from my youth, a grandfather figure I never really knew. My grandparents had passed away, and he was a guy who used to sit next to us in synagogue and slip me up peppermint candy as the rabbi was about to start the sermon or come over for Passover Seders or Shabbat dinner, Mr. Gendun, and he had passed away. And I got the phone call. I said, What would Mr. Gendun want me to do? And I thought, maybe I'll say Kaddish.  So I called one of my Jewishy friends. I had never been inside the Hillel building up until that moment. And I called up one of my Jewishy friends and I said, What's, where's the Hillel? And they said, you're an idiot, Elliot. It's this huge building right on campus at Michigan. And I went in and I said my Kaddish, and I was getting up like it was the end of an airplane ride just to run back out to whatever my evening plans were.  And a man stood between me and the door, boxing me out, and I was trying to shimmy one way and the other. And he said, I notice you've never been here before. And he said, Well, I'm wondering if you'd like to come to Shabbat dinner. And I lied, truth be told, because I figure he didn't want to know about dollar pitcher night. And I said, I already have Shabbat plans. And he said, Well, do you have Shabbat plans next week? And I was caught in my tracks, and I said, No, and before I could say another word, he said, Good, then you'll come over for Shabbat dinner.  And that man was Michael Brooks, who was the Hillel Director of the Michigan Hillel. I went over to Shabbat dinner. I got involved in the Israel group. I was an editor of the student journal. I sat on the Hillel governing board. One thing led to the other, and I became a rabbi. But important [as] that story is obviously in my own religious formation and choice of vocation, is how it informs my own life and my own rabbinate. It's that ability to look around the room when you're in a class, a Jewish event, a service, and who's the person who looks a little out of place like they might have been there for the very first time, and just do that small human act of reaching out to them, and whether you're going to invite them to Shabbat dinner or not, but just to acknowledge their humanity, that has been the north star of my rabbinate ever since. We're all just human beings looking for a place to hang our hats. Manya Brachear Pashman:   You talk about empathy. I think empathy caught my attention every time you mentioned it in the book, because I think it's so key to journalism. It's such an important component of it. And then I think hospitality is such an important component to Judaism and to congregational life, Elliot Cosgrove:   Absolutely. Hospitality is something that is key to our text at the beginning of the Passover Seder. But hospitality is also a spiritual demeanor that we welcome people into our souls, into our presence, into our life. Hachnasat Orchim in Hebrew, this idea that there's always space within our souls, within our hearts.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   Having had such an important turning point on a university campus, how did you interact with, council, university students during this time, as they were facing such pressures and such opposition, crushing opposition during this past year and a half? Elliot Cosgrove:   So there's a chapter about that in the book. It's really the part of the book that I think has struck a nerve, and appropriately so, because I'm the father of four college age or thereabouts children.  And that story I tell about Maya, and Maya is a young woman who, I joke, shares half a brain with my own college age daughter. She's grown up in my household, and she is what you or I might identify as a non Zionist Gen zer, and she approached me and perhaps reproached me for having a Israeli flag on the pulpit, for doing the prayer for the State of Israel in the midst of the service, and said, you know, and she grew up in the Jewish Day School. She grew up going to Jewish summer camp. She did gap year programs in Israel.  Not a small amount of money has been invested in the Mayas of the world, and she herself is asking whether or not her liberal, American Jewish self can be simpatico with the policies of this or that Israeli government, because they don't speak for her sensibility. And to this question of empathy, I think the first move one makes in any such situation is to try to understand where the other person is coming from.  And I think a 21, 22, 23 year old is coming of age in a moment of time where the only Prime Minister they know of is Bibi Netanyahu, who either is or is beholden to the most right-wing elements of Israeli society. The only policies they know of the Israeli government are an expansionist policy in the West Bank, which has precluded the possibility of a two state solution. The only paradigm they have is an Israel which is a Goliath to the Palestinian David, this is their reality.  You can't blame someone for the time into which they are born. I can pick apart and engage in a dialog on what's true and what's not true. But to tell someone that their reality is not, their reality is is not, you know, a move that one can make. And by the way, if they're during the time of the judicial reform, and to this day, there are 1000s of Israelis marching on the streets on a Saturday night protesting the Israeli government as an expression of their love of country.  To tell the Mayas of the world, a college age student today, that they are treif, they are beyond the bounds of Jewish discourse, for doing the exact same thing is just an argument that doesn't hold water anymore. And so the the the goal here, Manya, is to engage with their questions, to listen intently, to prompt that young mind to come up with their own answers for the defense and the well being of the Jewish people, given the harsh realities that Israel faces, and also to make room for their very real question. So I look long on the Maya generation. It's actually a controversial moment within the organized Jewish community –do we write them off, do we not write them off? I think they're our future, and I think we do terrible damage to ourselves if we write them off. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Because it is such a time as this. We have to pay attention to the context, right, and to where we are in history, without losing sight of history. Elliot Cosgrove:   Look, it's very easy to take pot shots from the left and from the right. You know where this brave space is. The brave space is standing in the middle and dignifying the claims and counterclaims of both sides, and knowing that real leadership is trying to keep our people together. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Your book does such a beautiful job of inspiring that sense, sparking those, those right emotions in my head. So thank you so much for writing it. And I encourage all of our listeners to pick up a copy of Rabbi Cosgrove's book–For Such a Time as This: On Being Jewish Today. It is full of challenges, and I think that the challenge is worth facing and taking on. Thank you. Elliot Cosgrove:   Thank you so much, Manya.

Fr. Mike offers a brief recap of today's chapter from Nehemiah, identifying the difference between those who were able to live in Jerusalem and those who were not. He explains the ancestral gifts that each tribe of Israel received and applies this concept to the vices and virtues of our families, as well as our freedom to adopt or reject them. Today we read from Nehemiah 11, Esther 8, 16, and Proverbs 21:17-20. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike walks us through the signing of the covenant in Nehemiah 10 and relates Israel's collective decision to belong to God to our personal encounters with God that inspire us to follow him simply because he has called us. He also offers insight on how God used the physical weakness of Esther to move the king's heart to gentleness. Today's readings are Nehemiah 10, Esther 15, 6-7, and Proverbs 21:13-16. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Today's readings remind us that all good things come from God, and he calls us to specific places and times for a reason. In the book of Esther, Fr. Mike points out that Esther was perfectly positioned to fulfill God's will. We too, can examine our lives and realize that there are places God has brought us, "for such a time as this". The readings are Nehemiah 9, Esther 4 and 14, and Proverbs 21:9-12. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

As Fr. Mike reads from Nehemiah today, we hear about how the hearts of the people of Israel were moved as Ezra reads the book of the law of Moses to them. In our reading of Esther, we have the beginning of the crisis that will unfold throughout the book as Haman, backed by the king, seeks to destroy the Jews. Today's readings are Nehemiah 8, Esther 3 and 13, and Proverbs 21:5-8. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike continues reading from the book of Nehemiah as we read of the many attempts to prevent Nehemiah from doing the great work of God. We also see the events that lead to Esther being chosen as queen and the goodness she will bring even in the midst of a broken system. Today's readings are Nehemiah 6-7, Esther 1-2, and Proverbs 21:1-4. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.